In an inspiring shift in local governance, Black women are making significant strides in small towns and rural areas. Deondreze Young, a resident of Wadley, Georgia, took an unexpected leap into politics after her father encouraged her to run for a city council seat. With a background that includes roles as a cosmetology instructor, nail technician, substitute teacher, and mother, Young felt uniquely positioned to impact her community. Residents of Wadley, a town of nearly 2,0, have long expressed dissatisfaction with their discolored and undrinkable water supply. Young, frustrated by the situation and aware of ongoing city improvements that would take time to address these issues, decided to take action. After casting her vote on November 4, she learned she had become the youngest woman elected to the City Council.
While high-profile elections in places like New York City and Virginia grabbed national attention, a quieter but equally impactful movement was unfolding in small towns. Across the nation, Black voters in these areas exhibited unprecedented engagement, leading to significant Democratic victories in state legislatures, including breaking a Republican supermajority in Mississippi. Young attributes the surge in political activism partly to disillusionment with the previous administration and a growing determination among young people to exercise their political power rather than waiting for change.
In Pennsylvania, Joi Washington made history as the first Black woman elected mayor in Media Borough, a community where Black residents represent only 3% of the population. Having previously served on the city council, Washington decided to run for mayor after the long-term incumbent announced he would not seek reelection. She won a remarkable 77% of the vote, reflecting a community eager for new leadership. Washington noticed a palpable excitement among residents who were ready to embrace a younger, diverse leader.
Similarly, Kamali “Kam” Varner, who previously made history as the first Black woman on the city council in McDonough, Georgia, became the city’s second Black woman mayor at the age of 45. She won 55% of the vote, contributing to a record turnout for municipal elections, with over 5,0 ballots cast, the most the city has seen in its 200-year history. Varner emphasized the importance of addressing community concerns, such as infrastructure and access to clean water, as part of her agenda.
The momentum of these elections reflects a broader trend where ordinary citizens are taking charge of their political futures. Young, Varner, and Washington are part of a growing movement of Black women and younger leaders who are not only stepping into roles of influence but also inspiring their communities to engage in the political process actively. Their victories demonstrate that change is possible when individuals rise to take on leadership roles, making tangible impacts in their localities.